Phillies preparing large offer for Hamels

The Phillies, hoping to turn things around in the second half and beyond, are working on an offer to free agent-to-be LHP Cole Hamels that could end up being the largest in team history, ESPN.com reported Friday.

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GM Ruben Amaro and Hamels' agent, John Boggs, declined to comment on any negotiations, but the website reported teams inquiring about Hamels' trade availability said the Phillies were optimistic about keeping the 28-year-old.

Because Philadelphia gave LHP Cliff Lee a five-year, $120 million deal in December and the Giants gave RHP Matt Cain a five-year, $112 million extension in April, the market for Hamels could be costly and might require the Phillies to guarantee six or more years, something the club has been reluctant to do in the past.

Halladay okay: Phillies RHP Roy Halladay said he was pain-free after Thursday's three-inning stint for Class A Clear­water. "I felt like for the most part everything was good at times," Halladay, who had been sidelined with tightness in his back, told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "Location, there were some mistakes at times, but I felt good."

Halladay is scheduled to throw a bullpen session today for the big-league club, and if all goes well, he could pitch Tuesday.

Brewers to pitch Greinke? The Brewers might be working up an offer near $100 million over five years to Zack Greinke, but the right-hander is still likely to test free agency, CBSSports.com reported.

Braves: SS Jack Wilson left the game against the Mets with a dislocated finger, forcing Martin Prado to play shortstop for the first time in four years. Wilson's status will be updated today.

Cardinals: 1B Lance Berkman, 36, expects to come off the DL today and rejoin the team ahead of schedule in his comeback from surgery for torn cartilage in his right knee.

Orioles: RHP Jason Hammel left the game against the Tigers in the fourth after his left leg appeared to buckle on his delivery. The exact nature of the injury was not immediately known.

Pirates: RHP Mark Appel, taken eighth overall in the draft, turned down the team's offer of $3.8 million and will remain at Stanford for his senior season. Appel was the only unsigned player among 31 first-round picks, which were subjected to baseball's new restrictions on amateur signing bonuses. Several teams shied away because Scott Boras is his adviser.

Tigers: The team said Adelyn Santa, a third-base prospect from the Dominican Republic, asked for and received his release after he was unable to obtain a visa after a year of trying.

Yankees: LHP Andy Pettitte will have a checkup X-ray on his left ankle Sunday to determine how it is healing, ESPN.com reported. Pettitte, 40, threw without discomfort on flat ground Friday and said he remains on target for a Sept. 1 return after being hit by a line drive June 27. … OF Kosuke Fukudome, cut by the White Sox a month ago, signed a minor-league contract.

Dykstra pleads guilty: Former Mets OF Lenny Dykstra pleaded guilty to one count each of bankruptcy fraud, concealment of assets and money laundering in Los Angeles. He faces up to 20 years in prison when he's sentenced Dec. 3. Prosecutors said Dykstra hid, sold or destroyed more than $400,000 worth of items without permission of a bankruptcy trustee. Dykstra, 49, is currently serving a three-year prison sentence after pleading no contest to grand theft auto and providing a false financial statement.